Apartment Building Upgrade

The task

The owners of your apartment building plan to convert an unused storage area into a new shared space. The property manager is asking tenants which option they would prefer. Choose the option you prefer and explain the reasons for your choice. Write about 150-200 words. Option A: Create a secure, indoor bike storage room with racks for 60 bicycles. Option B: Create a fitness room with treadmills, weights and a yoga area.

• Choose Option A or Option B.
• Explain the reasons for your choice with details and examples.

Length

150–200 words

Time

26 minutes

Question

14 of 15

I would choose Option A, the secure bike storage room, because it would solve a real problem that many tenants in our building face. The biggest issue right now is theft. In the past year, at least four bicycles have been stolen from the rack outside our front entrance, including my neighbour's new commuter bike, which cost more than $900. Because of this, many residents keep their bikes on their balconies or carry them up in the elevator, which damages the walls and blocks the hallways. An indoor room with proper locks would end this situation. A second reason is that secure storage would encourage more people to cycle. Our building is only a short ride from the train station and the university, so many tenants could leave their cars at home if they had a safe place to keep their bikes. Indoor storage would also protect bicycles from snow and salt during the winter months. A fitness room would be pleasant, but there are already two affordable gyms within walking distance of our building, so it would not be a necessity. Secure storage is clearly the better use of this space.

Why this answer works

• The theft of the neighbour's $900 bike gives the main reason a precise and convincing example.
• It shows secondary effects of the problem, damaged walls and blocked hallways, which adds depth.
• The short rebuttal using nearby gyms is clear and efficient without dismissing the option rudely.